A Nouwen Network is a ‘grassroots’ nonprofit outreach and receives no financial support from any organization. All activities are entirely voluntary.

The material presented is assembled in good faith. Links to other websites are inserted for convenience

NOTHING CONTAINED ON THE WEBSITE IS INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSIDERED, MEDICAL ADVICE OR TO SERVE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Many GLBTI people report to dealing surprisingly well with systemic discrimination, and most do not experience depression or any other mental health condition. However, experiences with discrimination and stigmatisation can lead to a higher likelihood of emotional distress, depression and anxiety. Research, as well as the real life experiences of GLBTI people, shows that discrimination, both subtle and overt, is high for GLBTI communities. GLBTI people are at least two to three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the broader community - beyondblue is committed to raising awareness about these issues and helping to reduce the discrimination faced by GLBTI communities.

Suicide and self-harm in GLBT communities remains an issue of serious concern in Australia. Available research continues to demonstrate that the prevalence and rates of self-harm and attempted suicide are significantly higher amongst GLBT people than among non-GLBT populations — though the prevalence of completed suicide statisticsremains unknown.

It is important not to pathologise sexual orientation and gender identity when conceptualising self-harm and suicide risk among GLBT Australians. Moreover, sexual orientation and gender identity alone do not elevate risk. Rather, experiences of heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia are known to contribute to social isolation, poorer mental health outcomes, substances use, and other sociocultural and economic problems and conditions, which in turn place GLBT individuals at greater risk of suicide and self-harm.

LGBT PRIDE PRAYER: WE STAND INSIDE YOUR CHURCH

Christ, as lesbians and gay men we stand inside your church and know a wholeness that can benefit it. We learned long ago that we must regard the lilies of the field, putting our trust in you.

Pressured to hide our identities and gifts, we have served you with an unyielding, fierce, vulnerable love inside the same church that condemned us.

Carefully taught that we must feel self-loathing, nevertheless we learned integrity and dignity and how to look into your face and laugh with grateful joy, Jesus.

Although we have suffered a long and continuing torture, we assert a stubborn, unshakable faith in your holy justice.

Negativism was drummed into us as thoroughly as if we were sheet metal. We learned what it is to be misunderstood, perceived as alien, even sometimes hated. Yet, because of your grace and love, we witness to the fullness and beauty of all human creation, including ours, in your image.

We are alive and well and stand inside your church. Bless us, Christ, to your service.